DEAR REV. GRAHAM: If God really wants us to go to heaven when we die, why did Jesus have to come into the world? Couldn't God have simply given us eternal life, instead of sending Jesus to be born and live and then die? I've never understood this.
-- Z.L.
DEAR Z.L.: One reason God sent Jesus Christ into the world was so we could know -- really know -- what God is like. How else would we know God loves us or wants to take us to heaven when we die? Through Christ, the Bible says, "We have seen his glory... full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
But the main reason Jesus Christ came into the world was to do for us what we could never do for ourselves: Save us from our sins. Only one thing will keep us out of heaven, and that is our sin. But how can our sins be cleansed and forgiven, so we can go to heaven when we die? How can we be made pure in the eyes of God? This is the Bible's central question.
This is why Jesus Christ came into the world. Only God can cleanse us of sin; we can't do it ourselves. And God made this possible by sending Jesus to live among us. He was without sin, and yet in God's perfect plan all our sins were transferred to Him, and by His death Jesus Christ took upon Himself the judgment and hell that we deserve. Jesus said, "This is my blood ... poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28).
But Jesus not only came into the world 2,000 years ago. He wants to come into your heart today, and He will, as you turn to Him in repentance and faith. Make this your best Christmas ever by welcoming Christ into your life today.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Weekend on 12/18/2014